Many clients come to me with questions about DWI conviction costs and how much they will have to pay if they are convicted of DWI in New Jersey. If you have been charged with DWI in the state of New Jersey and decided to just plead guilty without speaking to a New Jersey DWI Lawyer, you are facing high fines. The court costs for a DWI will be somewhere around $700 on average, plus a $3,000 surcharge and the IDRC fee, which is $230 per day. New Jersey criminal defense lawyer Carl Spector has estimated that over the course of three years, because of that surcharge, you’ll end up paying somewhere close to between $3,700 and $4,000. The penalties you can face will ultimately depend on a number of factors, including whether or not this is your first offense and what your BAC level was at the time of the arrest.
How much does a DUI/DWI cost in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, a first-offense DUI conviction may result in fines ranging between $250 and $500. Fines will increase with each subsequent offense, meaning you will face a fine of $500 to $1,000 for a second offense, and a minimum fine of $1,000 for a third offense.
In addition to court fines, you will be responsible for the following costs:
- $1,000 annual Motor Vehicle Commission Surcharge (MVC) for three years. If you are charged for a third time, this fine will increase to $1,500.
- The costs associated with installing an ignition interlock device in your vehicle (typically $50-$200), as well as a $100 monthly rental fee for the equipment
- Fees associated with enrollment at an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC)
Furthermore, having a DWI or DUI on your driving record will result in a significant increase in your auto insurance premiums.
A first-time DWI in New Jersey could easily cost $5,000, and significantly more when factoring in additional surcharges, towing costs, equipment fees, and insurance spikes, over the whole life of the problem if you give up and just plead guilty. To minimize the costs of a DUI and pursue a more lenient sentence, it is imperative to retain the legal services of a qualified Bergen County DUI attorney.
Contact an Experienced Bergen County DUI Attorney Today
If you have been charged with a DWI or DUI in North Jersey, including communities like Glen Rock, Hackensack, or Paramus, it is imperative to understand that you have a right to legal representation. At the Law Office of Carl Spector, our firm will examine all avenues to help you craft the best possible defense for your circumstances. Do not hesitate to contact our firm to learn how we can fight for you during these difficult times.